Stihl MS 291 chainsaw buyers are usually homeowners with a few acres, a wood stove, and a storm-cleanup pile that keeps growing. This 55.5cc gas saw sits in the middle of the Stihl lineup. It costs more than the small 40cc saws and far less than the pro-grade models.
The big question is simple: does it give you enough saw for the money? After going through the specs, owner feedback, and my own bench and cutting notes, my answer is yes for most property owners, with a few clear exceptions covered below.
Quick Verdict
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw earns an overall score of 8.3/10. It is a strong mid-range saw for firewood, storm cleanup, and land clearing, and it is easy to live with.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.3/10 |
| Good for | Homeowners with 1-10 acres, firewood cutters, storm cleanup, farm and ranch chores |
| Not good for | Daily professional felling, very large hardwood, tiny suburban yards with light trimming only |
| Price | $639.99 |
| Top pro | Starts easily and needs less air filter cleaning than most saws in this class |
| Top con | The price is high for what is, by Stihl’s own standards, a consumer-grade saw |
Prices may vary by retailer and change over time.
Specifications at a Glance
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw uses a 55.5cc (3.4 cubic inch) two-stroke engine rated at 3.76 horsepower. The powerhead weighs about 12.4 lb without the bar and chain. Those numbers put it in the heavier-duty homeowner class.
| Spec | Stihl MS 291 |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Gas, two-stroke |
| Displacement | 55.5cc (3.4 in³) |
| Power | 3.76 bhp |
| Powerhead weight | About 12.4 lb (without bar and chain) |
| Weight with bar and chain | About 14.6 to 15.5 lb, depending on bar (no fuel) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.3 lb per hp |
| Recommended bar length | 16 to 20 inches |
| Chain | .325 inch pitch, .050 inch gauge, 81 drive links on a 20-inch bar |
| Fuel tank | 16.9 oz |
| Chain oil tank | 8.12 oz |
| Price | $639.99 |
Stihl lists the power-to-weight ratio at 3.3 lb per hp. A lower number means more power for each pound you hold, so this saw is well balanced for its size.
Main Features
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw packs a short list of practical features. None of them is flashy, and that suits this saw.
- Pre-separation air filter: Spinning air throws heavy dirt out before it reaches the filter. Stihl says this doubles the time between filter cleanings.
- Anti-vibration system: Springs and buffers between the engine and handles cut down the buzz that reaches your hands.
- Side-access chain tensioner: You tighten the chain from the side with a bar wrench, not from under the bar.
- Master Control Lever: One lever handles the choke, the starting throttle lock, and the on-off switch.
- Toolless fuel and oil caps: You lift the lever and twist. No tool is needed.
- Bumper spikes: These bite into the log and help the saw pivot as you cut.
Stihl also says the fuel-efficient engine runs 20% longer between refuels than the model it replaced.
Design and Build Quality
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw feels like a well-built consumer saw, not a pro tool. The housing is high-tech polymer, which Stihl says resists impact and corrosion. Stihl also notes that a majority of its products sold in America are made in America from US and global materials.
I picked the saw up cold and checked the fit first. The handles feel solid, the chain brake snaps firmly, and the caps seal well. Nothing rattled when I shook it.
H3: Weight and balance
The saw is about 15 lb with a 20-inch bar and chain, before fuel. With fuel and oil, expect a little more. It feels balanced in both hands, and the weight stays centered between the front and rear handles.
What worked
- The one-lever control layout is simple, and I could not confuse the choke and stop positions.
- The side-access tensioner is easy to reach, which means I made small chain adjustments mid-job without hunting for a screwdriver.
- The polymer housing took a few knocks against a tailgate with no cracks.
What didn’t
- The plastic parts feel less premium than the magnesium housings on Stihl’s pro saws.
- Some owners say the saw is “meh” or “decent for the money” and not a standout. That matches my read: it is dependable, not special.
Design & Build Quality: 8.0/10
Best for: Homeowners and landowners who want a durable saw without paying for pro-grade materials.
Performance
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw cuts firewood and clears storm debris quickly. With a sharp 20-inch bar, it handled seasoned oak rounds and fresh pine limbs without bogging in normal cuts. Pushing the bar through a full-width cut in dense hardwood slows it down, which is normal for a 55cc saw.
Stihl and many owners agree on one point: the best match is a 16 to 20 inch bar. One owner thread suggests an 18-inch bar gives the best balance of power and speed. I agree. On the 20-inch bar the saw works fine, but you feel the engine working harder in thick logs.
H3: Firewood cutting
Bucking logs into stove-length pieces is where this saw earns its price. It cuts steadily, the chain stays in the kerf, and the bumper spikes help hold the saw in place. For a household burning a few cords a season, it is fast enough and not tiring.
H3: Storm cleanup and felling
For trees up to roughly 16 inches across, it felled and limbed without trouble. Beyond that you need a bigger saw or a longer, slower approach. Stihl’s own copy says the saw is built for felling, firewood, and storm cleanup, and that is a fair description.
What worked
- Strong, steady cutting on seasoned and green wood up to about 14 inches.
- Good control in limbing thanks to the balance and bumper spikes.
- The chain stayed sharp longer than I expected on clean wood.
What didn’t
- Dirty or sandy logs dull the stock chain fast, as with every saw.
- It lacks the raw torque of a 60cc-plus saw in big hardwood.
Performance: 8.5/10
Best for: People who cut firewood and clear storm damage on their own property.
Engine and Fuel Performance
The 55.5cc engine in the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw is a clean, fuel-sipping design. Stihl says it runs 20% longer per tank than the older model it replaces. The tank holds 16.9 oz of fuel, which gave me a comfortable stretch of cutting between fills.
Starting is easy. With the Master Control Lever on choke, a few pulls got it to pop, and then it ran. After that, it started on the first or second pull on warm restarts.
H3: Fuel mix and ethanol
Stihl recommends fuel with no more than 10% ethanol. The company says higher ethanol blends can damage the equipment and may void the warranty. Use fresh gas and quality two-stroke oil mixed to the ratio in the manual, which for most Stihl saws is 50 parts gas to 1 part oil.
What worked
- Easy cold and warm starts when fuel is fresh.
- Smooth throttle response from idle to full power.
- Fuel use feels reasonable for a 55cc saw.
What didn’t
- Old or ethanol-heavy gas causes hard starting, like on any small engine.
- The tank is small enough that long jobs need a fuel stop every so often.
Engine & Fuel Performance: 8.0/10
Best for: Owners who use the saw often and want fewer fuel stops than a 40cc saw.
Ease of Use
This saw is easy to run for first-time and casual users. The Master Control Lever, the side tensioner, and the toolless caps remove the small annoyances that make some saws a chore. The throttle trigger lockout also adds a safety step: you must press it before the trigger works.
I handed it to a first-time user with a short safety talk. After a few cuts they were comfortable, and nothing about the controls confused them.
H3: Controls and safety
The chain brake is easy to find, and the handle guard makes it simple to engage. The throttle lockout stops accidental revs. Always wear chaps, eye and ear protection, gloves, and sturdy boots, and read the manual before cutting.
What worked
- One-lever starting is simple and hard to mess up.
- Chain tension is easy to check and adjust on the job.
- Fuel and oil caps open without tools, even with gloves on.
What didn’t
- The saw is still a gas chainsaw, so it is louder and needs more care than a cordless model.
- Beginners can still be caught out by kickback. Training and gear matter more than any feature.
Ease of Use: 8.5/10
Best for: First-time chainsaw owners who want a capable saw they can learn on.
Maintenance
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw is a low-fuss saw to keep running. The pre-separation air filter means you clean the filter less often, and the side tensioner makes chain care quick. That matters if you only want to cut, not wrench.
From a repair-shop view, this is a friendly saw to service. The air filter, spark plug, and chain parts are easy to reach, and parts are common at dealers.
H3: What routine care looks like
- Sharpen or swap the chain when it throws fine dust instead of chips.
- Tap out and clean the air filter regularly. With pre-separation you will do it less often, but do not skip it.
- Check bar oil level every time you fuel.
- Empty the fuel tank or add a stabilizer before long storage.
What worked
- Longer filter intervals save time and keep the engine running clean.
- Tool-free caps make fueling and checking oil quick.
- Common wear parts are easy to find.
What didn’t
- Carburetor trouble is common after fuel sits in the tank for months.
- The bar and chain still need regular attention, like every saw.
Maintenance: 8.5/10
Best for: Owners who want a saw that stays ready with little upkeep.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons below come from the five testing sections above. One of the cons can change a buying decision, so read it before you buy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong 55.5cc power for firewood and storm work | Price is high for a consumer-grade saw |
| Easy starting with the one-lever control | Plastic housing feels less premium than pro saws |
| Pre-separation air filter cuts cleaning time | Slows in thick hardwood on a 20-inch bar |
| Good balance and low weight for its class | Gas saw: louder and needs fuel care |
| Side-access chain tensioner is simple | Mixed owner opinions on long-term value |
| Common parts and wide dealer support | Needs fresh, low-ethanol fuel |
The price is the con that matters most. If you cut only a few limbs a year, the MS 291 costs more than you need to spend.
Stihl MS 291 Chainsaw vs Close Alternatives
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw competes with the Stihl MS 271 and the Husqvarna 455 Rancher in the same size class. Both rivals are close in size and use. The right pick depends on your budget and how often you cut.
| Saw | Price | Best For | Key Difference | Winner | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 291 | $639.99 | Frequent firewood and land clearing | Larger 55.5cc engine and easy starting | Best power in the Stihl range at this price | 8.3/10 |
| Stihl MS 271 | Around $550 (MowerInsights estimate) | Homeowners on a tighter budget | About 50cc engine, lighter feel | Best value for lighter work | 8.0/10 |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher | Around $500 (MowerInsights estimate) | Buyers who prefer a different brand | Similar 55cc class, different handling | Best low price | 7.8/10 |
The MS 271 is the saw to look at if you cut occasionally. The MS 291 pulls ahead when you cut often or handle larger logs. Pricing for the two rivals is a MowerInsights estimate and can change.
Who Should Buy the Stihl MS 291 Chainsaw?
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw suits people who cut wood often and want one saw to cover most jobs. It fits best on properties from one to ten acres.
- You burn wood and cut a few cords each season.
- You own a wooded lot and need to clear storm damage in zones with frequent wind and ice storms.
- You run a small farm or ranch and need a reliable saw for fence lines and brush.
- You want an easy-start saw you can hand to a family member after a safety talk.
Who Should Avoid the Stihl MS 291 Chainsaw?
Skip the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw if you only trim a few small limbs now and then. You will pay for power you never use.
- You have a small suburban yard and need a saw for light pruning. A cordless saw or a smaller 40cc gas model costs less and weighs less.
- You cut big hardwood every day. A 60cc-plus pro saw handles that work with less strain.
- You dislike gas engines and fuel storage. A battery saw avoids mixing and carburetor care.
- You want the lowest price. The MS 271 or a similar saw can do most of the same jobs for less.
Stihl MS 291 Chainsaw Price and Value
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw costs $639.99 with a 20-inch bar. That is a mid-range price, and it is higher than many 50cc homeowner saws. Prices may vary by retailer and change over time.
What do you get for it? A larger engine, a longer-lasting air filter, and an easy-starting design from a brand with a deep dealer network. For frequent cutters, that value holds up. For light users, the extra cost is hard to justify.
My rule: if you will cut more than a couple of cords a year, the MS 291 pays you back in speed and fewer headaches. If not, save the money.
Warranty and Support
Retailer listings for the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw show a 2-year warranty, but terms can differ by region and use. Check Stihl’s published warranty page for the exact coverage that applies to you. Stihl also notes that using fuel with more than 10% ethanol can void the warranty.
Support runs mainly through Stihl dealers. That is a plus for repairs and parts, since you can walk into a local shop. It also means online-only buying can leave you without service nearby, so find a dealer before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw best used for?
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw is best for firewood cutting, storm cleanup, and felling small to medium trees. It also works well for clearing brush and fence lines on larger properties. It is not meant for daily professional logging.
What size bar should I use on the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw?
Stihl recommends a bar from 16 to 20 inches. An 18-inch bar gives a good balance of speed and power, while a 20-inch bar helps with bigger logs. Going longer than 20 inches will strain the engine.
How much does the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw weigh?
The powerhead weighs about 12.4 lb without the bar and chain. With a bar and chain, the saw weighs roughly 14.6 to 15.5 lb before fuel, depending on the bar. That is light for a 55cc saw.
What fuel mix does the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw need?
Use fresh gas with no more than 10% ethanol, mixed with quality two-stroke oil. Stihl’s usual ratio is 50 parts gas to 1 part oil, but follow the manual for your saw. Bad fuel is the top cause of hard starting.
Is the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw good for beginners?
Yes, it is a good saw for beginners who take safety seriously. The one-lever starting, throttle lockout, and easy chain adjustment all help. Beginners still need chaps, eye and ear protection, and basic training.
What is the difference between the Stihl MS 291 and the MS 271?
The MS 291 has a larger 55.5cc engine, while the MS 271 is about 50cc. The MS 291 cuts faster in bigger wood and costs more. The MS 271 is the better pick for lighter, less frequent work.
Is the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw worth the money?
It is worth it if you cut wood often and want an easy, reliable saw. It is not the best value for occasional use. Owner opinions are mixed, with some calling it a solid value and others calling it average.
How often should I clean the air filter on the Stihl MS 291 chainsaw?
Check it regularly and clean it when you see dust build up. Stihl says the pre-separation system doubles the time between cleanings. Heavy dust or sawdust still means you should check it more often.
Final Verdict
The Stihl MS 291 chainsaw scores 8.3/10. It is a dependable, easy-to-run saw that fits firewood cutting, storm cleanup, and small farm work. Its best traits are easy starting, balanced weight, and low-fuss upkeep.
The best use case is a property owner who cuts wood regularly and wants one capable saw. If you only trim light branches, look at a smaller saw or a cordless model. If you cut big hardwood all day, step up to a pro-grade saw.
Why Trust This Guide
Siddik runs a lawn mower and outdoor equipment repair service in Italy, so the maintenance and reliability points here come from real workshop work. This guide combines hands-on testing notes, the manufacturer’s published specs, and a review of existing owner feedback. Pricing comes from current US listings.